Feckwitted drivers, bike horns and the like...

[carreauchompeur]

I feel slightly safer putting a topic about fkwit drivers today since the "group" forums are out of action

But today was a new low in my cycle to work in terms of people trying to kill me. Never tend to have many problems, but very, very nearly got taken out by a Corsa running a very red light at a dual bike/ped crossing, then two very bad, close overtakes in quick succession.

This evening's highlights included a random finger from a yoot in a Peugeot for no apparent reason, and a dumb woman in, yes, a Corsa completely failing to see me on a roundabout and nearly taking me out.

I've been considering a bike horn for a while. A bell's nice to warn pedestrians but the one I have doesn't really work with the dropped handlebars setup.

Did look at this: http://www.extrauk.co.uk/product/detail/Hornit/Hor...

but judging by most of the videos it's proper "road warrior" equipment and would make me look like a wker.

Anyone use an electronic horn? Any suggestions? Also considering whacking on a couple more lights for sts and giggles.

[S6PNJ]

I no longer commute by bike (but might start again) but have previously considered a bike horn, though I was looking at these: http://www.airzound.co.uk/

I'll be interested to see how this thread pans out!

[anonymous-user]

You just knew it would be fitted to a fixie for those photos didn't you!!!....

[Rich_W]

I wouldn't get a horn. Just choose slightly less trafficed routes if possible. And assume everyone hasn't seen you. Alternatively consider changing HOW you ride on the roads.

It's a ball ache, but getting angry with drivers who are st could work out worse for you than them. Ignore them as best possible.

[carreauchompeur]

Oh yeah, I do tend to ride quite defensively, I'm not a lycra lout by any stretch of the imagination, just trying to find more ways to be seen/heard/alert others as I'm aware at the moment that I am sometimes bad about letting pedestrians know I'm coming- Since I can't reach my bell from the drops and it doesn't work very well anyway!

As for the bad drivers, I am at least in a position where I can do something about it. The first Corsa driver who blatantly ignored a red light, seriously endangering me and the other pedestrians about to cross, will be receiving a brief visit tomorrow and subsequently a summons.

[JQ]

I have a 120Db airhorn and it never gets used. If I need to warn someone I'm there it's too loud and agrevates situations. If I'm in real danger then I have more important things to do than adjust my grip to depress it, a shout/scream is just as effective.

It's still on the commuter bike and I keep meaning to remove it.

[donfisher]

There's a swampy looking Levellers reject cycle courier I often see near the office that has one of those zounds or something similar. He perhaps uses it a bit too much. Traffic doesn't seem to pay much attention to it but it might be quite good to stop people crossing in front of you if you're approaching at speed and they've not seen you.

Depending on your restrain at using it they could be a useful item to make things a bit safer, or something to go in the CAUC category along with overly bright rear lights and those neighing horse horns that motorcyclists get fitted.

[voicey]

I used to have the airzound horn mentioned above when I cycled through east London for my commute. It was very good at warning people who looked like they were about to pull out in front of you or suddenly swerve into a bus lane without looking. It certainly saved my bacon on a number of occasions.

It was very loud and I sometimes took the childish pleasure on using it to give pedestrians a shock as they stepped off the kerb and I swerved around them.

Now I cycle through south east London where more than 50% of the drivers have a licence so it's not needed.